Chief of Staff Manager 3 - Civil Space Systems

About the position

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman is looking for a Manager, Program Management 3 for the Civil Space Systems Business Unit reporting directly to the VP; serving as a Chief of Staff, ensuring all aspects of the Business Unit operations are effective and efficient. This position will be located in Sterling, Virginia. Opportunity for business travel to our various locations may be required. The selected candidate will be a member of the Civil Space Systems (CSS) Leadership Team and work directly for the VP and the CSS BU Leadership to organize and facilitate day-to-day operational aspects of the Business Unit and lead executive engagements for the VP and the leadership team. In addition to being exposed to some of the most meaningful and exciting missions we have, this role also provides the opportunity for the selected candidate to really deepen their knowledge and understanding of how a business and portfolio operates above and beyond what individual program managers or program leaders experience on their individual programs.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of the Business Unit’s Annual Operating Plan and Long-Range Strategic Plan (AOP/LRSP) to include the planning of resources to achieve the plans.
• Provide high-level strategic advice and recommendations to senior executives on financial performance, cost optimization, and resource allocation.
• Track and assess key financial and operational metrics, providing insights to optimize performance and inform decision-making.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the P&L organization, ensuring the effective execution of business plans.
• Act as a liaison between senior executives and cross-functional teams, facilitating communication and collaboration to streamline processes and ensure alignment.
• Lead key initiatives to improve productivity, efficiency, and financial performance within the P&L structure.
• Work with the finance team to monitor the budget and financial performance of the P&L organization, identifying risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist in preparing financial reports and forecasts, providing actionable recommendations to drive financial success.
• Evaluate and help prioritize capital investments, ensuring optimal allocation of resources.
• Manage and coordinate high-priority projects and initiatives, ensuring timely and successful completion.
• Lead cross-functional teams to execute critical projects that impact the P&L’s performance, including process improvements, cost-saving initiatives, and strategic shifts.
• Support M&A, contract negotiations, or other major strategic moves as needed.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the VP and the CSS BU leadership team.
• Support employee engagement activities such as VP Leadership All Hands, and Leader Site Visits.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior staff, fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Promote a collaborative and high-performance environment, ensuring that all team members understand their role in achieving P&L targets.
• Prepare Business Unit VP for all senior level internal meetings and customer engagements with relevant information/materials such as talking points and relevant background information.
• Ensure deliverables required by Division level business rhythms are coordinated among the staff and delivered on-time.
• Develop and present regular reports on operational performance, financial health, and key strategic initiatives to senior leadership.
• Facilitate effective internal communication to ensure all stakeholders are informed of progress on key priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree with 10+ years of related experience and minimum of 7 years project and/or people management experience.
• Proven experience managing P&L responsibilities, financial oversight, and operational strategy.
• Strong track record in project management and cross-functional team leadership.
• Ability to make recommendations and provide guidance to effectively bring projects to completion.
• Demonstrated ability to build and foster effective relationships with others, including ability to interact effectively with senior and executive level management.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and recommend detailed program financial performance; strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Highly advanced Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and SharePoint skills.
• Ability to travel a minimum of 10% domestically.
• Must be a US citizen and have the ability to obtain Top Secret / SCI / SAP clearances.

Nice-to-haves

• MS or MBA degree in a technical, business or related field.
• PMP or similar certification.
• Prior program management experience.
• Strong understanding of Northrop Grumman culture and demonstrated success effectively working within company’s organization, processes, and procedures.
• Experience working in a highly regulated environment e.g., defense contracting, government procurement.
• Current Top Secret and/or SCI/SAP clearances.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business